The Prestigious Star Awards 2026 reflects the best of the events industry
24/03/2026
# tags: Awards
If one evening, occasion and awards ceremony could encapsulate the very best of the events industry, then the annual 'Prestigious Star Awards' did exactly that last week, bringing peers from across the global events industry together, for a spectacular night of nominees, winners and entertainment.
The focus of the Awards is to recognise and celebrate the world’s finest event venues, so it seemed very apt to bring the occasion into Harrods, the renowned Knightsbridge luxury department store, founded by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834 and pioneer of the first ‘escalator’ in the UK, marking its debut in Harrods in 1898.
This year’s edition took place on Harrods’ 4th Floor, within the private dining space of the ‘The Georgian’ a sumptuously restored Art Deco and storied restaurant and ballroom, first opened in 1911. Beneath a chandelier-lit ceiling, a glamourous gathering dressed in tuxedos, tailcoats and gowns circulated with champagne-in-hand, representing a variety of venues, all with a continued commitment to be best-in-class and category.
The Prestigious Star Awards is the brainchild of Habib Amir and Jessamie Dunton-Rose, the guiding lights behind Prestigious Venues and hosts for the evening, alongside Richard Birtchenell – The London Toast Master – creating a dynamic trio who set the tone, adding plenty of elegance and romance to proceedings.
Habib Amir made some opening remarks: “From reviewing over 2000 venues per year, to a global community of more than 18,000 event bookers, delivering over 1,100 extraordinary event experiences annually around the world – these are powerful numbers. But what truly defines them is you - the people behind it all. The passion, the care, and the unseen dedication that transform moments into memories. And tonight we celebrate the magic we create together. So, thank you for being here tonight.”
Jessimie Dunton-Rose added: “What is a great venue? It is not defined by architecture but by passion, creativity and dedication of the teams that bring events to life and without them, events would not be possible, and tonight that is what we are celebrating, those teams, events and moments that matter”.
The awards themselves, showcased the many facets and requirements of what it takes to put on an such a sparkling evening. Amir highlighted the partners who had collectively brought the awards to fruition, starting with the host partner Harrods, production partner Luminaire, Urban Soul Orchestra, City Academy, London Films, Magician Sky, Lee Thomas Photography and the after-party sponsor Funky Buddha.
Within this setting, the awards were presented to deserving recipients, all of whom were asked to say a few short words of acceptance by the Master of Ceremonies, a key figure who knitted the evening formalities seamlessly together. The ‘who’s who’ of winners were called to the stage, these included industry heavyweights, such as, Shangri-La Paris and Royal Mansour Marrakech to the Schönbrunn Palace and Gleneagles.
Necker island received ‘Best Buy Out Venue’ which was collected by Chardae Henry – Virgin Limited Edition, commenting: “Amazing, it is really nice to see the recognition that our team deserves, for the amount of effort we put into every single event, every single experience and guest stay and I’m so glad to see it all paying-off. Also, the Georgian is such a stunning venue, the key for us is meeting other amazing suppliers and buyers, as I have met some great contacts here – myself and the team are just grateful to be amongst so many amazing venues”.
Another award-winner Maria Yaccoub – Great Hotels of the World added: “We won Best Summer Party Venue on behalf of Palacio Estoril; the awards have been really good, very dynamic, I have met lots of new people in a very nice and luxurious environment. I did not know of this space before, but it is very pretty, cosy and glamourous, after all it is Harrod’s right!”
With the awards presented, attention turned back to networking and the evening’s entertainment. I am sure it was not lost on invited guests, that in another era “The Georgian’s” famous thés dansants (tea dances) attracted the city’s fashionable elite, yet fast-forward over a century and the Prestigious Star Awards brought the global events elite together, to foster best practise in the industry.
On that note, organisers made sure they revived a little of the venue’s heyday by evoking a sense of refined elegance, sophistication and timeless glamour through couture, exquisite canapés and a performance from a professional ballroom dance couple, who glided between tables leaving in their wake sequins and tails, another masterstroke that will live long in the memory of attendees.
The last word went to Victoria Rollé - Harrods Restaurant Spaces – “It has been a real pleasure to host the Prestigious Star Awards 2026 within ‘The Georgian’; it is a stunning venue and a real classic mix of the roaring twenties with high-end luxury service, everyone looks phenomenal and we are so delighted to have won Best Private Dining venue”
The events industry is fundamentally centred on creating, designing, and facilitating settings for celebrations, entertainment, knowledge sharing and networking, but ultimately making your guest feel valued and special for attending. The Prestigious Star Awards certainly achieved that. This is one guest-list that the events world will work hard to be on for the 2027 edition!
To view the full list of Prestigious Star Award Winners go to: https://prestigiousstarawards.com/prestigious-star-awards-winners-2026
Photo Credit: Lee Thomas
